Can I Drink Tap Water in Chicago?

Chicago Department of Water Management publishes water quality reports and Consumer Confidence Reports with annual testing information and contaminant results. Chicago's municipal supply is a large regulated system and is generally safe for travelers to drink. However, older building plumbing and lead service-line concerns can affect exposure risk at specific properties, so short flushing and filters can be sensible precautions.

Chicago operates one of the largest municipal water systems in the United States and publishes water quality reports plus annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) through the Department of Water Management. These reports summarize annual testing and compliance information under state and federal drinking-water regulations. For travelers, this supports a baseline assumption that Chicago's city supply is treated and regulated rather than inherently unsafe. The practical caveat in Chicago is not usually the treatment plant but premise plumbing and service lines in older buildings. The city's CCR and public messaging also reference lead service line replacement programs, which reflects a real infrastructure issue that can affect exposure risk at the building level. In most hotels and modern properties, tap water is generally safe for drinking, brushing teeth, and ice. In older apartments or rentals, flushing cold water and using a certified filter adds a sensible margin of safety, especially for infants or pregnant travelers.

Chicago is generally a low-risk city for tap water, and most travelers can drink tap water safely in hotels and modern accommodations. The main caution is older building plumbing and potential lead service lines in some properties. If you are staying in an older apartment or have a vulnerable household member, flush the tap and use a certified filter. Otherwise, tap water, ice, and brushing teeth are usually fine.